02-14-2004, 09:49 PM
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[font "Arial"]Kayaks have been around for centuries.![[Image: kayak.gif]](http://www.buckeyeflyfishers.com/Articles/Float%20Tubes/kayak.gif)
Sleek lines and a long waterline length give them exceptional ability to navigate open water and whitewater conditions. Hull design is a compromise between stability and performance. For the sportsman a relatively flat wide bottom design commonly referred to as recreational kayaks are recommended. [/font]
[font "Arial"]The downside to kayaks is that your gear is not easily accessible and![[Image: sittop.gif]](http://www.buckeyeflyfishers.com/Articles/Float%20Tubes/sittop.gif)
some may find them claustrophobic. An alternative is a sit-on-top design. The deck is molded with a depression for the paddlers to sit into. With an open cockpit the gear is easier to get to. [/font]
[font "Arial"]A third type pf kayak is the inflatable which is about as stable a kayak as you can get. They are cross between![[Image: inflate.gif]](http://www.buckeyeflyfishers.com/Articles/Float%20Tubes/inflate.gif)
a kayak and a pontoon boat. Two tubular pontoons are joined in a "V" configuration both fore and aft. They are available in self bailing and hard type floors. With the installation of a set of oar locks and a opening in the floor, you can propel this craft either by fins or by oars.[/font]
[font "Arial"]For the less agile or older angler though, maintaining one's balance getting in and out of a kayak is challenging. Also plan on getting wet. Even though you may not draw water, when you get in and out, your shoes, especially felt soled, will drag in enough water to wet your bottom.[/font][/indent]
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[font "Arial"]Kayaks have been around for centuries.
Sleek lines and a long waterline length give them exceptional ability to navigate open water and whitewater conditions. Hull design is a compromise between stability and performance. For the sportsman a relatively flat wide bottom design commonly referred to as recreational kayaks are recommended. [/font] [font "Arial"]The downside to kayaks is that your gear is not easily accessible and
some may find them claustrophobic. An alternative is a sit-on-top design. The deck is molded with a depression for the paddlers to sit into. With an open cockpit the gear is easier to get to. [/font] [font "Arial"]A third type pf kayak is the inflatable which is about as stable a kayak as you can get. They are cross between
a kayak and a pontoon boat. Two tubular pontoons are joined in a "V" configuration both fore and aft. They are available in self bailing and hard type floors. With the installation of a set of oar locks and a opening in the floor, you can propel this craft either by fins or by oars.[/font] [font "Arial"]For the less agile or older angler though, maintaining one's balance getting in and out of a kayak is challenging. Also plan on getting wet. Even though you may not draw water, when you get in and out, your shoes, especially felt soled, will drag in enough water to wet your bottom.[/font][/indent]
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